Jhoulys Chacin fights through bruised toe to post two scoreless innings in debut

MESA, ARIZ. — Health, not command, was the only concern after Jhoulys Chacin posted two scoreless innings in his spring training debut Monday. With two outs in the second inning, Chacin was pawing at the mound when catcher Ramon Hernandez motioned for trainer Keith Dugger. Chacin has been dealing with a minor issue on left big toe for four days, he said. He stretched his foot and pushed down several times before throwing a few practice pitches. He believes he will be fine for his his next game on Saturday and doesn’t believe it will affect his status in the World Baseball Classic.

“I hurt doing PFP drills, covering the bag (on flip tosses). It was bothering me a little bit, but it’s no big deal,” Chacin said. “I will be fine with a little ice.”

Dugger and pitching coach Jim Wright felt comfortable leaving the right-hander in the game. The Cubs’ Dioner Navarro hit a soft liner to first base, ending the second inning. The foot pain bears watching because Chacin is scheduled to make just one more appearance before joining Venezuela on March 3 for the World Baseball Classic. He will pitch Saturday then fly to Florida on Sunday to join Team Venezuela.

Chacin faced six batters, striking out one, while inducing two groundballs.

Jorge De La Rosa was visibly upset with his performance, allowing two runs on two hits, including a home run.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.